Emma Elekwa
President of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), Chinedu Nwonu has urged entrepreneurs, students, business owners and emerging leaders from various sectors to prioritize strategic planning and consistent execution.
Nwaonu gave the advice during the 2026 edition of the UDUF Africa Active Leadership & Entrepreneurship Bootcamp held at the Onitsha Business School in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The two-day programme had as its theme, “Innovate, Lead and Grow: Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success”.
It explored innovation strategy, leadership effectiveness, financial intelligence, sales systems, and long-term enterprise sustainability, providing tools participants could immediately apply.
According to Nwaonu, sustainable businesses are built on disciplined systems rather than ideas alone.
Director General of the host institution, Prof. Olusegun Oludapo Sogbesan underscored the importance of clarity of vision and measurable goals in building enduring organisations.
Weak financial management
Financial expert, Dr Sylvanus Allegbo Izebhokae reminded participants that weak financial management remains one of the leading causes of business failure.
An entrepreneur, Pastor Mrs Abayo Angela Ifeoma delivered a session on scaling enterprises for impact, demonstrating how structure, positioning, and systems help businesses grow beyond survival.
Sales strategist Amb. Dr Simeon Kelvin Chukwu focused on converting opportunities into revenue through disciplined selling and customer understanding.
Earlier, Founder of UDUF Africa, Ezuma Smart Chinedu led a strategic session on designing profitable business models and anchored the overall programme, linking the sessions into a coherent growth pathway.
He emphasised that Africa’s future depends on leaders who combine competence, integrity, and service.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the bootcamp, ThankGod Chukwuekezie Chukwuemeka described the initiative as a deliberate investment in human capital.
He noted that exposure to the right knowledge and networks enables young people to drive economic growth and community transformation.
Networking impact
Beyond the training sessions, one of the strongest outcomes of the bootcamp was its networking impact.
Participants initiated partnerships, formed professional connections, and gained renewed clarity about their business direction.
Feedback collected at the end of the programme indicated that attendees found the experience practical, inspiring, and transformational.
Observers noted that the successful execution of the bootcamp strengthens UDUF Africa’s position as a rising platform for leadership development, entrepreneurial capacity building and youth empowerment across the continent.
